Happy Hostess and Busco’s are now together

Longtime customers of Happy Hostess — a go-to caterer that completes any meal or provides soup-to-nuts for any event — can relax. It’s back. When the owner retired last year, Happy Hostess was purchased, and then, closed its doors in Rockville Centre. But now it has reopened in Oceanside, merging with another popular kitchen and caterer, Busco’s. Between combining their already huge menus, and the fact that it’s now in a large space that includes an eatery, the offerings are endless. Hence, Happy Busco’s has arrived.

Happy Hostess was purchased by Ashi Baig and her husband, Sher. Working with them are longtime key people one might recognize — Terrence (Terry) from Happy Hostess, and Gene from Busco’s. Ashi, who is also a chef, says she loves all types of food and if something is new to her, she is passionate about learning to cook it to perfection. As Happy Hostess specializes in kosher style foods (matzo ball soup, chopped liver, brisket, etc.), and Busco’s is more Italian, she adores the wide variety they now offer. Happy Busco’s honors all holidays with their myriad of specialties.

With seating for up to 50 people, Happy Busco’s serves breakfasts, sandwiches, salads, paninis, wraps, gourmet burgers, hot kitchen entrees, soups and much more. One can sit, eat and watch sports, or host a small gathering. Barbecue grills are being set up on premises. You can Build-Your-Own-Salad or purchase a Grab’N Go Dinner.

Catering can be for an intimate dinner, a holiday celebration, or party of any size. In addition to the food, Happy Busco’s can provide chafing dishes, servers, bartenders, seating, tableware, or even grills. Food choices span from platters, heroes by the foot, rotisserie items (chickens, ducks, turkeys, capons), and virtually any salad, entree and side dish sold by the pound or tray. Cakes and cookies are an option too.

Due to the newness of this merger, some things are still a work in progress. The website — www.happyhosttess.com — is being revamped for a better representation of Happy Busco’s. Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Sunday 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Delivery is available and parking is in the rear. Happy Busco’s gives discounts to students and local hospital workers.